Solent Enterprise Zone will host a new Advanced Engineering Skills Training Centre that will train more than 400 students a year in a new college now under construction.

Fareham College has entered into a design-and-build contract with Leadbitter to construct the new £12 million skills training Centre.

College principal Nigel Duncan said:

“Fareham College is delighted to have reached this critical milestone.

“With works now started on site, we are confident we will open our doors to hundreds of learners in September 2014.

“The new Centre of Excellence will be a focus for businesses both on the Enterprise Zone and in the surrounding area who want to ensure that their workforce stays at the cutting edge of engineering technology.”

During its construction phase the Centre will create 135 temporary jobs, and a further 150 permanent jobs on completion. The 4,000 sq m Centre will be the first new building to be completed on the Solent Enterprise Zone and will be located on a prime site at the new main entrance to the Zone, which is being constructed simultaneously.

Once complete, the Centre will provide training in courses from foundation level to higher national diplomas, helping to build on the existing strength of the Solent area in advanced engineering and sustaining the local pool of skilled employees.

This news brings Solent Enterprise Zone closer to its goal of becoming a hub for advanced engineering and manufacturing using technologies drawn from defence, marine, aerospace and the aviation industries, which could create up to 3,500 jobs in the longer term.

The Enterprise Zones are at the forefront of efforts to develop the skills the country needs, so the next generation of workers are ready to help England compete on the world stage now and in the future.